Verified procedures for the disconnection and the drilling and tapping of asbestos cement water pipes

Project No. BIA 3070

Status:

completed 03/1996

Aims:

Demolition, renovation and repair work involving exposure to asbestos may lead to very high concentrations of asbestos fibres arising in the atmosphere inhaled by the employees involved. In order to reduce the exposure arising during the disconnection or the drilling and tapping of asbestos cement water pipes, the objective of the project was to develop a procedure in which the release of asbestos fibres is reduced considerably by the application of technical and organizational measures.

Activities/Methods:

A standardized regulation for the procedure was first described. Hazardous substance measurements were then performed during and following application of the regulations in order to demonstrate the success of the remediation measure. The issue was discussed and a conclusion reached in the Working Group responsible for asbestos exposure during demolition, renovation and repair work.

Results:

The Working Group responsible for asbestos exposure during demolition, renovation and repair work classified the procedure as a procedure involving low exposure to asbestos during demolition, renovation and repair work in accordance with Technical Rule for Hazardous Substances TRGS 519. Four verified procedures involving low exposure to asbestos were added to BG Information BGI 664, which governs procedures involving low exposure to asbestos during demolition, renovation and repair work. These procedures were the drilling and tapping procedure, the pipe cracking procedure, the saddle clip procedure and the sawing procedure. Where verified procedures are followed, certain protective measures specified in TRGS 519 are not required. These measures include the use of personal protective equipment, occupational medical check-ups, and in-process asbestos fibre measurements.